Marshall Health Network performs West Virginia’s first robotic arm-assisted shoulder replacement surgery using Mako SmartRobotics™

New Mako 4 technology expands robotic arm-assisted joint replacement capabilities at Cabell Huntington Hospital

Marshall Health Network Orthopaedic Surgeon John J. Jasko, M.D., performed West Virginia’s first robotic arm-assisted shoulder replacement surgery using Mako SmartRobotics™.

Known as Mako Shoulder, the technology combines 3D CT-based planning with robotic arm-assisted technology to create a patient-specific surgical plan based on each individual’s anatomy. Surgeons can review the plan before surgery and make adjustments as needed during the procedure.

“We are pleased to be the first in West Virginia to bring this technology to our patients,” said Jasko, who also serves as an associate professor at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. “Mako Shoulder gives us additional information and control throughout the process. We use a CT scan to plan the surgery based on the patient's unique anatomy.  During the surgery, the robotic assistance helps us place the implants more accurately and allows for precise adjustments if needed.”

Mako Shoulder is available for patients undergoing reverse shoulder replacement at Marshall Health Network – Cabell Huntington Hospital. Orthopaedic surgeons using the Mako Shoulder include Jasko, Aouod Agenor, M.D., and Suhirad Khokhar, M.D. The technology is part of Marshall Health Network’s growing Mako SmartRobotics™ program, which includes robotic arm-assisted options for hip, knee and shoulder replacement.

The health system is also expanding its robotic arm-assisted joint replacement capabilities with the addition of Mako 4 at Cabell Huntington Hospital. The fourth generation of Mako technology supports existing total hip, total knee and partial knee applications while adding robotic arm-assisted technology for revision total hip replacement—surgery to replace or repair components from a previous hip replacement. Orthopaedic surgeons using the Mako 4 for hip and knee replacements include Matthew Bullock, D.O., Alexander Caughran, M.D. and Felix Cheung, M.D.

“Revision hip replacement can be particularly complex because every patient comes to us with different anatomy and circumstances from their previous surgery,” said Ali Oliashirazi, M.D., professor and chair of orthopaedic surgery at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. “Mako 4 gives us another tool to plan these procedures around the individual patient and extends the benefits of robotic arm-assisted technology to patients who did not previously have that option.”

These latest investments build on Marshall Health Network’s experience with Mako SmartRobotics™ and expand the range of patients who may benefit from robotic arm-assisted joint replacement at Cabell Huntington Hospital.

For more information or to refer a patient, call Marshall Orthopaedics at 304-691-1262 or visit cabellhuntington.org/mako.